Selecting the right substrate for a cannabis operation can be a daunting task. While it largely depends on the cultivation setup being used, it can also be challenging to find a substrate that performs as a grower desires. Growers using coco coir or soil have a wide range of choices, as there are many suppliers offering diverse products. "Stone wool, however, is quite difficult and costly to produce," says Dmytro Yakymakha, CEO of Begrow. "That is why there aren't many options on the market, with only a few suppliers serving cannabis growers."
The benefit of choice
But why would a grower choose stone wool over coco? "First of all, it has to do with the cultivation setup," Dmytro explains. "If a grower uses a hydroponics system, stone wool is highly recommended. This doesn't mean, however, that other types of substrates are inferior or that stone wool is the best. If you ask different growers the same question, you'll get a multitude of answers." In other words, the choice of substrate depends on various factors, with the type of cultivation setup and the grower's preferences being the most important. "Each and every greenhouse and indoor grower has their own approach, so it's difficult to say that coco is better than stone wool, or vice versa."
At the same time, certain characteristics differentiate each substrate. "Despite all the factors one might consider, it ultimately comes down to one question: what is the most stable substrate?" Dmytro asks. "Stone wool is an inert medium; it contains nothing but the fibers that compose it. In my opinion, stone wool is the most innovative starting material technology."
Serving the hydroponic world
Begrow is a family business active in the global hydroponics industry, providing growers with various stone wool products, regardless of the crop or the size of the operation. "We operate globally, and our products can be found all over the world," Dmytro says. "Unlike other companies, we focus solely on producing stone wool substrates." This year, the company will be attending the MJBizCon in Las Vegas, where they will showcase their full range of products.
"Our most popular product in North America is the 6-inch block. This cube is meticulously designed to foster a robust root system, ensuring the development of strong and vibrant plants. Our substrate is inert and non-pathogenic, protecting plants against harmful pathogens and diseases. Unlike traditional substrates, it does not absorb nutrients, allowing for precise nutrient management and control."
At the show, Begrow will also showcase the Begrow Plug. "The Plug is meticulously crafted to nurture young plants, providing them with an optimal start," Dmytro explains. Utilizing specialized stone wool with a high water retention capacity, the Begrow substrate is particularly suited for hydroponic setups. Additionally, the Begrow Slab will also be featured in Vegas.
All Begrow products come in different sizes, but the company offers more than just standard options. "If a grower requests it, we can create a tailored stone wool substrate based on their specific requirements," Dmytro points out. "For example, one grower wanted fertilizers to remain on top of the stone wool cube. That was something our regular Begrow Cube didn't allow. So, we developed the S-super Fiber Cube, a super fiber orientation within the block specifically for that purpose. Another cannabis grower wanted a product that was a hybrid between a slab and a cube. We created a slab with a hole in the middle where plugs can be inserted. We're very flexible and can create custom sizes upon request, which is quite unique in the stone wool space."
You can find the company at booth #25014 at MJBizCon '24 in Las Vegas.
For more information:
Begrow
[email protected]
begrowsubstrate.us